Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Summary

Episode: The EV Stocks & the Bank Stocks 5-2-25
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the current landscape of Electric Vehicle (EV) stocks and bank stocks. Providing a comparative analysis, Scott sheds light on the performance trends within these sectors, offering valuable insights for investors and business enthusiasts alike.

Bank Stocks Analysis

Performance Overview

Scott begins by examining the year-to-date (YTD) performance of two major banking institutions:

• Bank of America: Down by 8.6%
• JP Morgan: Up by 3%

[00:15] Scott Becker: "Bank of America is down about 8.6% year to date. JP Morgan itself is up 3% year to date."

Comparative Insights

Scott highlights the contrasting trajectories of these banking giants, framing it as a "battle of the big banks." While Bank of America has experienced a notable decline, JP Morgan has managed to outperform its competitor.

This disparity may be attributed to several factors, including differing strategic initiatives, management efficacy, and exposure to varying economic sectors. JP Morgan's ability to navigate market volatility and leverage its diversified portfolio seems to have given it an edge over Bank of America in the current fiscal year.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Analysis

Market Performance

Transitioning to the EV sector, Scott provides a snapshot of three prominent players:

• Tesla: Down by 30% YTD
• Rivian: Up by 3% YTD
• Lucid: Down by 60% YTD

[00:35] Scott Becker: "Tesla down 30% year to date, Rivian up 3% year to date and Lucid down 60% year to date."

Sector Dynamics

The EV market has been notably volatile, with Tesla and Lucid facing significant declines, while Rivian maintains a modest upward trajectory. Several potential factors could be influencing these trends:

• Tesla's substantial drop may be linked to market saturation concerns, increasing competition, or investor sell-offs amidst production challenges.

• Rivian's slight gain suggests resilience and possibly positive developments in production scaling or market adoption.

• Lucid's sharp decline could be a result of overvaluation, supply chain issues, or execution delays affecting investor confidence.

Consumer Behavior and Market Sentiment

Adding a personal dimension to the discussion, Scott shares an anecdote that reflects broader consumer sentiments towards EV investments.

[00:50] Scott Becker: "One of my friends' spouses is in the process of buying a Rivian. I know spouse A would like to kill spouse B for spending that much money on a vehicle, but it is what it is."

This story underscores the emotional and financial considerations consumers face when investing in high-ticket EVs. The willingness to invest in a brand like Rivian, despite potential market fluctuations, indicates a strong belief in the company's future prospects and the growing appeal of sustainable transportation solutions.

Conclusion

Scott wraps up the episode by summarizing the key takeaways:

• Banking Sector: JP Morgan's YTD growth positions it favorably against Bank of America, signaling potential stability and growth opportunities within the banking industry.

• EV Sector: The mixed performance of Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid highlights the sector's volatility and the diverse investor sentiments shaping its trajectory.

[00:58] Scott Becker: "Again, that's here to date the big bank stocks and the big EV stocks. Thank you for listening to the Becker Private Equity and Business Podcast. Gives you a sense of what's going on out there."

For listeners, this episode offers a concise yet comprehensive analysis of significant movements in both the banking and electric vehicle markets, providing a foundational understanding for making informed investment and business decisions.

Notable Quotes

• Bank Performance:

  "Bank of America is down about 8.6% year to date. JP Morgan itself is up 3% year to date."
  [00:15]

• EV Market Trends:

  "Tesla down 30% year to date, Rivian up 3% year to date and Lucid down 60% year to date."
  [00:35]

• Consumer Anecdote:

  "One of my friends' spouses is in the process of buying a Rivian. I know spouse A would like to kill spouse B for spending that much money on a vehicle, but it is what it is."
  [00:50]

• Closing Remarks:

  "Again, that's here to date the big bank stocks and the big EV stocks. Thank you for listening to the Becker Private Equity and Business Podcast. Gives you a sense of what's going on out there."
  [00:58]

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the current states of the banking and electric vehicle sectors, providing both statistical analysis and relatable insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics.